Schools and Education

Suggested itinerary for schools and educational groups.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to Canterbury’s most important centrepiece; the Cathedral, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important pilgrimage centres. The Cathedral dates back to 597AD when St Augustine became the first Archbishop establishing his seat in Canterbury. You will see where its most famous Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 and view the numerous tombs and monuments including those of Edward the Black Prince and King Henry IV. Marvel at one of the cathedral’s greatest glories; the stained glass collection which dates back to the 12th and 13th century, depicting miracles, royal connections and biblical stories and regarded as the finest in the country. The Cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that you enjoy and benefit from your stay there. You have the possibility to do an audio-tour (available in 7 languages) or walk around with a guidebook. Alternatively you can book a guided tour which takes approximately 90 minutes.

The Westgate Gardens can be found close to the City centre, just next to the West Gate Tower. The eleven acres of public gardens provide an ideal setting for a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Stour.

The city walls and an avenue of lime trees provide Dane John Gardens with a sense of enclosure and escape from the busy road and bustling shopping centre just a few yards away.

Afternoon

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval England as you step into the world described by Geoffrey Chaucer in his stories about the colourful band of Pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury. Along the way you'll hear stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery in this entertaining re-creation of life in medieval England. Audio guides for adults and children are provided as part of the tour. Allow 45 minutes. Itinerary and time allowing you may wish to include a visit to The Roman Museum. The Roman Museum takes you underground to the level of the buried Roman town of Durovernum Cantiacorum, which flourished for almost 400 years where Canterbury stands today. See the remains of a Roman house with its mosaic floor as well as other archaeological finds and authentic reconstructions. Allow 60 minutes.

Explore the Roman town beneath your feet. Canterbury's underground Roman Museum is built around the remains of a Roman town house with mosaics preserved where excavated.

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Canterbury Tales

Ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of 14th century England? At The Canterbury Tales you can do just that. Offering an excellent introduction to the city and its most famous literary connection Geoffrey Chaucer, England's finest poet, this popular centrally located attraction sets the scene of five of Chaucer's tales in an entertaining and informative way.

Groups can step back in time to join Chaucer and his merry band of pilgrims on their pilgrimage from The Tabard Inn to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way their stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery are vividly re-created with all the fun and excitement of the famous Tales. The Canterbury Tales is an audio guided attraction with translations available in French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. A special commentary for children is also available.

We welcome visits from schools and groups and offer the following benefits to pre-booked groups of 15 or more people:

-Discounted admission prices for pre-booked groups of 15 or more-Priority admission-Free familiarisation visit for the group organiser-Free admission for the coach driver-Free audio commentaries in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Japanese

The Canterbury Tales would also be happy to give advice in coordinating your visit to other attractions around the city. Please telephone the Group Bookings line on 01904 261262 for more information.

How to book:For discounted admission prices pre-booking is required. Please complete and submit our group booking enquiry form (available via the website) or contact us directly. Our Group Bookings Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm.

Coach ParkingCanterbury coach park is about 10 minutes walk from the city centre. Our costumed characters are happy to meet groups there, or at a pre-arranged place in the city centre - please ask at the time of booking as this service is subject to availability. There are also drop-off spaces available in the city centre.

By rail: Turn right out of station into Station Road West. Turn left at the end of the street into St. Dunstan’s. Continue straight on for about 5-10 minutes, passing through the West Gate, into St. Peter’s Street and on into The High Street. St. Margaret’s Street is on the right hand side just past Nason’s Department store. The Canterbury Tales is on the right opposite HMV.